Chapter 452

The line went suddenly silent.

Vivian Dempsey immediately sensed something amiss. "If it's inconvenient for you to go, I can figure out another way—"

"No inconvenience." Evelyn Carter's voice regained its composure, smooth as undisturbed water. "I was just thinking."

"Really?" Vivian sounded skeptical.

"Yes." Evelyn exhaled silently but kept her tone gentle. "Do you have an invitation, though? Can you get me in?"

Vivian relaxed. "Leave it to me! Just rest at home—I'll pick you up when everything's ready!"

——

4:30 PM, Sunday.

Vivian's car pulled up precisely on time. She brought not only two gilded invitations but also two meticulously prepared evening gowns with matching jewelry.

Evelyn frowned slightly at the opulent dresses. "A birthday party requires this much formality?"

Vivian winked mysteriously. "You'll understand when we get there. Lydia Laurent's birthday hasn't been just a celebration for years. I bet nine out of ten attendees tonight have ulterior motives."

She'd chosen a high-necked gown for Evelyn, perfectly concealing the marks on her neck. Delicate bracelets masked the bruises on her wrists.

Evelyn studied her reflection, uneasy. "I prefer my white coat."

"Nonsense!" Vivian's eyes sparkled. "You look like an elite doctor straight off a fashion magazine. This’ll give you an edge when meeting that investment bank manager later."

——

The car soon arrived at the Hamilton Group's most luxurious business hotel.

Vivian lowered her voice. "Rumor has it Alexander Hamilton booked the entire hotel just for Lydia's birthday. Now that’s extravagance."

Evelyn smiled faintly. "That’s typical of him."

Vivian whistled. "How quickly the new love overshadows the old."

"I’m also 'the old,'" Evelyn reminded softly.

Vivian grinned. "You’re the one who got away."

——

The car stopped before a red carpet flanked by imported flowers. Every rose and lily in Hudson seemed to have been purchased for this event.

Black-suited security meticulously checked their invitations before granting entry.

Inside, the hotel was divided into multiple zones, with impeccably trained staff at every turn. A graceful hostess approached. "This way, please. You may wait in the lounge area."

"The event hasn’t started?"

"Not yet. Final preparations are underway."

The grand hall featured lavish buffet tables, a dessert section adorned with balloons and flowers, and—most strikingly—ubiquitous Pokémon motifs. Pikachu prints graced everything from wall decals to napkins.

Vivian murmured as they walked, "Seems Miss Lydia is a die-hard Pokémon fan. Being spoiled shows—even these tiny details are accounted for. Her eighteenth birthday was nothing compared to this."

Evelyn tugged her sleeve. "We’re here on business, remember?"

Vivian reluctantly stopped admiring the decor and began scanning the crowd.

"There she is." Vivian pointed discreetly.

A woman in a crisp white blazer sat focused on her laptop, her sleek updo accentuating her sharp professionalism.

"Sophia Winston from Wild Goose Capital—everyone calls her 'Sophia.'" Vivian whispered. "Address her as 'Ms. Winston' until we’re familiar."

As they approached, Sophia looked up.

"Ms. Dempsey. What a coincidence." Her tone was polite but distant.

Vivian beamed. "Ms. Winston, this is my friend Evelyn Carter—former attending physician at Central Hospital's OB-GYN Department."

Evelyn nodded. "Ms. Winston."

Sophia’s gaze lingered on Evelyn’s face before curving into a knowing smile. "Your name... rings a bell."

"Evelyn. Like the wood," she replied evenly.

Sophia’s lips quirked. "Interesting."